England’s scoring form was on display again in European Championships qualifying. So was Cristiano Ronaldo’s.
England made it four wins out of four in Group A with a 5-3 win over Kosovo and Ronaldo netted four goals in European champion Portugal’s 5-1 away win at Lithuania.
On a night of heavy scoring, it took the five-time Golden Ball winner’s international tally to a whopping 93. Ronaldo might well hit the century mark before next year’s tournament, considering Portugal still faces Lithuania at home and twice plays lowly Luxembourg.
“I’m going through a good phase, but the team has been playing well too,” Ronaldo said. “I’m enjoying this moment not only because of my goals, but also because of the team’s performances in recent years. I just have to keep helping the team.”
Striker Harry Kane moved onto a more modest 26 for England, whose fans got a jolt when midfielder Valon Berisha put the visiting side ahead after just 35 seconds.
They were soon reassured by Raheem Sterling’s equalizer and Kane’s latest goal for England, both inside the opening 20 minutes at St. Mary’s Stadium in Southampton on a rare occasion England wasn’t playing at Wembley Stadium.
By halftime fans had been treated to five home goals, including 19-year-old winger Jadon Sancho scoring his first two for England.
But the second half proved more inspiring for Kosovo’s fans as they witnessed a mini-comeback, with Berisha enjoying a memorable night with a fine second goal curled into the top corner. Kane could have netted a brace, too, but saw his penalty saved by Arijanet Muric.
World Cup winner France labored at times against a well-organized Andorra side in a 3-0 home win, with Barcelona forward Antoine Griezmann missing a penalty for the second straight qualifier.
After Kingsley Coman found a way through in the first half, center half Clément Lenglet and substitute Wissam Ben Yedder added goals after the break.